The vibe: tucked away on the second floor of Hutchison House, Lawry’s has a classic American-style bar and lounge separate from the restaurant. Decorated in soothing deep burgundy tones, it’s cosy and calm, with comfortable seating available at low tables or on stools at the bar. The location is busiest at lunchtime, while in the early evening this is a discreet spot to relax for a quiet chat.

The drinks: standard prices per drink are shown below but happy hour packages offer better value – two drinks per person for HK$178 includes a full range of classic or signature cocktails, with a complimentary snack thrown in for every two orders as a bonus. (Our steak sandwich with fries was delicious and sufficient for two people to share.)

Luna (HK$108, vodka, lychee liqueur, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice) came served in a martini glass with a whole lychee as garnish and was light and refreshing. The Knob Creek Manhattan (HK$138, Knob Creek bourbon, rosso vermouth, Angostura bitters, orange peel) was a nicely balanced, velvet smooth version of this classic.

In addition to the permanent list, Lawry’s introduces cocktail specials every couple of months. The current range celebrates the different cities where the restaurant has branches and includes the Formosa for Taiwan (Kavalan whisky, apple juice, honey, sage) and Victoria Harbour for Hong Kong (vodka, dragon fruit, lime juice, lemongrass). Normally offered as a pairing with a special set menu, they can also be ordered at two for HK$178 in the happy hour package. We tried the Korean Blossom (shochu, triple sec, lime juice, orange juice); served in a salt-rimmed glass, this was a clever, low-alcohol take on a Margarita, with the shochu standing in for tequila.

There was nothing low alcohol about Fuji (gin, yuzu juice, elderflower liqueur, orange flower water, orange peel), and while the yuzu was the only connection to Japan, this was a complex, potent drink which deserves to be added to the permanent list, as does the Blossom.

The verdict: If you’re looking for a chilled-out spot to enjoy high-quality, good-value drinks in the Central area, Lawry’s fits the bill.